Unfortunately Rafa's Return isn't going to happen...

[Denny Kalglish]

At least that's my view, and here's my reasoning;

1. FSG want THEIR man, not another 'legend' or 'fans choice' (in their view they just tried that). They have made a very brave decision sacking KD - unless Rafa ticks every box as the manager they want to run LFC the FSG way then he's out.

2. And guess what? He doesn't tick all the boxes. Few could question his tactical knowledge, his passion and love for LFC. However FSG want someone to work in a collective, a team player. Someone to integrate into a new structure with multiple DoF's etc and a reduced sphere of influence focussing on coaching. Much as I admire Rafa that is not him. Rafa is a stubbern lone wolf who made great strides to have complete autonomy during his time as manager.

And for those reasons, I think he's out of contention.

Jesus. I just hope FSG have an inkling about what they are gambling with here. We are one or two bad decisions away from being just another club. My trust in them is wavering tbh, we need information about who they are consulting with, plans for stadium - everything. YNWA.

Thoughts?

 

[moreinjuredthanowen]

the points you make are quite reasonable. they are very strong points that would in theory preclude rafa from the job. Conversely you could equally argue that if you look at thier short list and how damaged rafa is that there's no where he'll be off too in the next 5 years and he could well be the easiest option.

I think on the last part, you have to just give them their time (we've no option anyway) and see what they do in the next few weeks. Example; i steadfastly refused to give G&H one penny while they ran the club so badly. I went out and preordered the lfc kit and am waiting for the baby versions to be launched. This was to support the club and add some small contribution.

If they'd sacked kenny before the kit came out i think i'd have held off preordering honestly, faith and trust are earned and they need to do a bit now in the next few weeks to deliver. They give a time and i think its only fair to give them that time. That's not on the stadium, they have said what they have said there and no timescale was promised

 

[luvgonzo]

Whoever comes in now I'm putting my feelings to one side and just going to concentrate on backing the new manager. Too early to judge FSG lets see what they do during the Summer.

 

[Jimmy Squarefoot]

The only thing that makes me think that the owners don't want Rafa is your second point. However, if were to get in Txiki as DoF, perhaps Rafa could work well with him as they have that Spanish connection?

We have to remember that we're not looking for the best manager in terms of credentials and current ability. They have to fit into this new structure and be here for the long run. That's why candidates like Jose and Capello are out of the running.

I think Rafa would be willing to reliquinsh some of his control to get back to LFC.

 

[Sir_Red]

Got to be Rafa, or we will get AVB or Martinez. Rafa clearly the best manager left in the running. AVB lost the dressing room big time at Chelsea, and Martinez was fighting a relegation battle all season.

AVB lost the dressing room by trying to implement a bit of much needed discipline on the scum, the old guard there is a lost cause and any manager there now (whilst they are still there) will have no say and basically have to pander to all their egos, like di matteo is. I guess it shows how well Mancini is doing at city, gotta give him respect for maintaining the discipline he does and keeping everyone in check and being pretty firm with those who step out.

 

[saintanton]

i understand the frustration, but it's pointless to demand that they explain themselves at every step of the way. not long ago we were admiring the fact that they did their business quietly and without fuss. We don't know the exact circumstances surrounding Kenny's dismissal, and we can't expect them to have a ready made management structure in place within days.
I think we're all suffering a crisis of faith at the moment, but we just have to wait for the major events to happen, not insist on some sort of status update of what they're thinking.
Every name put forward so far has quite a few detractors on here, so whatever they do, someone will criticize.

 

[moreinjuredthanowen]

I am avoiding work

 

[ShanksHateTheMancs]

We are one or two bad decisions away from being just another club. My trust in them is wavering tbh, we need information about who they are consulting with, plans for stadium - everything. YNWA.

Thoughts?[/QUOTE]I agree it really is a crucial period we are entering; I truly do hope they are getting advice from somebody who really knows the game. If as believed Dein is advising then I am quite confident we will make the right choices. I also agree that it probably will not be Rafa taking over, it seems they want a fresh approach. I said last week I felt that AVB would be the new manager and after the last few days that feeling has only got stronger, not sure he is the right man at this time. He will be a great manager but can he last long enough to get past the inevitable pressure when things do not go our way?

 

[moreinjuredthanowen]

dein nearly bankrupted arsneal on that property bubble. they are shifting those apartments now but it could have gone south, he's also the guy who left wnger in charge trophyless.

all in all i don't rate anyone any higher than anyone else in this

 

[ShanksHateTheMancs]

dein nearly bankrupted arsneal on that property bubble. they are shifting those apartments now but it could have gone south, he's also the guy who left wnger in charge trophyless.

all in all i don't rate anyone any higher than anyone else in this

Not sure I understand what you mean especially with the dyslexic writing To be fair to him and Wenger they have built a stadium, remained relatively competitive and are living within their means and to be honest I admire that! Ok Wenger gets heaps of stick for not spending but like I have said on the Arsenal board in the past I think he will be vindicated at some point in the future has the implications of being in debt or spending above your means become apparent; its also one reason I really do like FSG model!

 

[moreinjuredthanowen]

ok here's the thing. highbury was built upon by arsenal to pay for the big stadium. that was their business plan. in 2008/09 those apartments were not selling and the whole plan looked like it had gone down the tubes. They built thier stadium on the back of a property bubble and are lucky in my view to be shifting them now to pay off the debts.

Arsenal have the big stadium but not the big wages to pay RVP so he'll be off. Do you think their model will sustain itself outside the top 4? I do not. I am also firmly of the belief wenger is on the same road rafa was on but has not made as many mad buys. I'm afraid that one yea rout of the top 4 and their model won't look so hot.

Conversely I do not see how FSG can hope to build a business plan that requires top 4 to make it work long term and expect that to work. Success breeds success fine but we've seen how much spending it took city to get there, we've seen the consequences to clubs like leeds of not getting there... I'll wait and judge them solely on what they do, not hope someone like dein is telling them the right thing.

 

[Noblelox]

ok here's the thing. highbury was built upon by arsenal to pay for the big stadium. that was their business plan. in 2008/09 those apartments were not selling and the whole plan looked like it had gone down the tubes. They built thier stadium on the back of a property bubble and are lucky in my view to be shifting them now to pay off the debts.

Not the worst plan, and it was the banks ****ing up that scuppered the plan. Any business model would have failed over the last few years. If it is true, that they have now paid off the new place, and can now start buying players, then I have to say, it was not a bad plan.

I'm not saying I want Dein, and the plan would not work with the ****ty area that Anfield is. But not a bad plan for London.

 

[Jimmy Squarefoot]

Dein was the one responsible for bringing in Wenger and also had a hand in attracting players like Bergkamp and Henry which created the invincibles. He is well respected by Wenger as well as the players.

The man has contacts all over the place and is very well in with the FA which is what we need to help improve relations.

Dein is a proper football man with a good business brain and I would be very confident that he can help turn Liverpool into a force again.

 

[Muppetfinder General]

I think Rafa would be willing to reliquinsh some of his control to get back to LFC.

I'd agree. Look at the state of the club when he was sacked and he still wanted to stay. Love is a powerful energy.

I also see FSG abandoning some of the views they seemed to hold so dearly on arrival. They appointed Comolli on the recommendation of Mr. Moneyball himself and a year later they sack him without waiting to see if his purchases are good long-term investments or not.

A rumour piece suggested Rafa will be approached next week if the main preferences don't interview well. FSG have had "advisors" and have sought input from other areas, such as Paul Tomkins. Henry sought out Tomkins on buying the club and has read his books so is well aware of Rafa's capabilities. He'd have been very impressed with Tomkins' statistical analysis, too, so whatever Henry's view on Rafa is now I'm betting he hasn't sucked up the media myths about him.

 

[ShanksHateTheMancs]

Oi, don't be cheeky Mito's writing is legend! Fact.

I never said he wasn't 'special'

 

[Super G Ted'inho]

FSG want THEIR man, not another 'legend' or 'fans choice'

If that is in their thinking then we are ****ed! They should be looking for the best man available, irrelevant of the history of the club. The above sort of thinking as no place in the recruitment of a manager

(although I'd like Rafa, I am not saying this because I want him to return)

 

[Denny Kalglish]

Originally Posted by LFC-009
I think Rafa would be willing to reliquinsh some of his control to get back to LFC.

If they could work out an agreeable way of working and absolutely nail down the roles and responsibilites then Rafa is our man - if they don't, then appoint him and there is another power struggle down the line (prob when things are not going well) we are in serious sh!t.